Windows 7 is Microsoft’s best operating system to date, but that’s only true on the desktop, a platform it was designed for. For tablets, it’s just terrible, both from a user interface perspective and from a power management one, but Windows 8 won’t be out for a couple of years at least… but in the meantime, many business users still want a tablet that allows them the option to use their existing PC programs.

ViewSonic’s got an interesting solution for such customers. The ViewPad 10Pro is a ten-inch tablet with dual-boot functionality, offering business users the ability to load up Windows 7 Professional when they need to while otherwise living inside Android 2.2 Froyo.

Inside, we’re not talking ARM, we’re talking Atom thanks to an Intel Oak Trail processor. In fact, this is more of a netbook all around, boasting a 1024 x 600 LED backlit display, a five megapixel webcam, a microSD card slot for expansion, 3G, 802.11 b/g WIFi and Bluetooth.

You can see what ViewSonic is going for here, but honestly, this is sort of worst of both worlds. Windows 7 Professional just isn’t going to run well on a tablet, and Android 2.2 Froyo is similarly not made for a tablet: Android’s not really going to be ready for tablets until Honeycomb.

What a Frankenstein. Price and release are still be determined, but if you’re in Barcelona, you can stop by Viewsonic’s booth to see the ViewPad 10Pro.

Reader Comments

http://nexusflint.com Gary Roberts

I agree Veiwsonics Atom Processor isn’t up to the task of running Win 7 tablet. However, the Asus Eee PC 121 will. With it’s Intel Core i5 processor and 64 gigabyte solid state hard drive it is a winner. Window 7 does respound very well to multi touch input. It is smooth and responsive. As Intel introduces smaller CPU’s with quad core capability and as prices drop for solid state drives the the move to a full featured operating system will happen at a large scale.